It is with heavy heart that we announce that Master Deputy Sheriff Joseph “Shane” Robbins died in the line of duty on April 26, 2013, when he was involved in single-vehicle traffic crash. In his 15 year career, Shane touched many lives across our agency and county. His enthusiasm, kindness, and sense of humor will be missed. Shane’s infectious smile could brighten even the most difficult of days. We have suffered a great loss.

Around 9:15 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2013, a PCSO marked patrol Chevrolet Impala was found crashed off to the north side of the westbound lane of Bomber Road. Inside the car was 40-year-old Master Deputy Sheriff Joseph “Shane” Robbins, who was on duty today. Robbins was unresponsive. A citizen who heard the crash called 911.

PCSO, paramedics, and firefighters extricated Robbins from the car and he was transported to Winter Haven Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Master Deputy Robbins was heading westbound on Bomber Road towards U.S. 17, near Spruce Road, when the crash occurred.

PCSO deputies are seeking information about this crash – any witnesses who may have heard or seen anything, even as insignificant as they think it may be – are strongly urged to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.

ABOUT SHANE ROBBINS:

Master Deputy Sheriff Joseph “Shane” Robbins was a 15-year veteran of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, beginning his career in February of 1998. He was a Master Deputy Sheriff and has served in various parts of the county in Patrol, as a Special Victims Unit detective, and as a Homicide detective. His most recent assignment was as a patrol deputy in the Northeast District. Deputy Robbins was married to his wife Alisa, and they have five children.

Master Deputy Robbins has received numerous platoon recognitions, accomplishment reports, bureau, division, department, and Sheriff’s commendations for his public service, compassion, generosity, and outstanding law enforcement and investigative work. He has received 14 commendations and 187 recognitions and accomplishment reports.

In May 1999, Shane received the PCSO Medal of Valor, that reads in part: “In July 1998, Deputies Shane Robbins and Ron Carpenter responded to a residence in Mulberry in reference to a report of domestic violence. Once inside the home, the deputies were confronted by a suspect holding a rifle, who barricaded himself inside a bedroom and refused to surrender. The situation was further complicated by the fact that an elderly woman was in the next bedroom. The woman was bedridden and unable to escape the danger. Deputies Robbins and Carpenter formulated a rescue plan to remove the woman from the residence. This could not be done without placing themselves at risk. Working as a team, Deputies Robbins and Carpenter successfully extracted the elderly woman, while maintaining containment of the suspect. Deputies Robbins and Carpenter remained in the house with the suspect until relieved by members of the SWAT team. In recognition of their actions and courage in the face of an armed suspect, these deputies are hereby awarded the Medal of Valor.”

According to friends and colleagues, Master Deputy Shane Robbins loved his job – he loved serving the community. From changing the flat tires of a stranded motorist and apprehending suspects, to collecting Christmas gifts for children, and providing critical backup during officer-involved shootings, Shane served his community with dedication and pride. His care and concern for others was as much a part of his daily duties as enforcing the law.

If you would like to contribute to the "Memorial Fund for the Children of Master Deputy Sheriff Shane Robbins."